Learning English with music can enhance learning and create a more engaging and dynamic classroom environment. In a previous post, we discussed if music can help you learn a language; this post looks at how music can be incorporated into the classroom.
Using music in your classroom can help improve student motivation, focus, and retention of information. Here are some ways you can use music to enhance your classroom teaching:
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Playing soft, easy to listen to background music in class can help create a calm and comfortable atmosphere for students. Music with English lyrics playing in the background can help students with passive memorization of English. Research suggests[1] that studying with music improves focus, also with the bonus of relieving stress and anxiety.
This can also help students discover new music. If they hear one they enjoy, they might listen to the songs outside of class and during their own study time.
To help and encourage them with this, you can also build a regular playlist that students can access or refer to. You can also ask students if they have any favorite songs with English words to add to the playlist, to get them more involved.
Often it's good to take breaks or short pauses during the school day to help students recharge and refocus their attention. These kinds of breaks are typically 10-15 minutes long and can be utilized in different ways, such as physical activities, games or mindfulness exercises; it can also just be a time to relax and reset.
Adding English songs to these breaks can make them even more effective. Upbeat, high-energy music can get students moving and dancing and calming music can be used for relaxation and mindfulness exercises. Music can also be used to accompany physical activity and help children learn new words, skills or practice routines.
Using music to help students memorize words and phrases can be a fun and effective strategy. For example, you can create a song or rap from scratch or to an existing song or familiar beat, including important words or concepts that you're currently teaching. This can help students remember the information better and make learning more enjoyable.
For younger learners, add actions to your song to make it more interactive and even more memorable.
If you are short on time, use existing relevant songs to supplement your lesson. If it's a widely known song in current popular culture, students are more likely to connect or engage with it due to its familiarity and appeal.
Music can inspire creativity and help students think outside the box. You can get students to create their own song, rap or performance in English to present to the rest of the class.
If you have less time, get students to sing along to songs, perform karaoke style, or create their own song lyrics to a familiar/existing tune. This can help with their English vocabulary, pronunciation and speaking practice. It can also help students practice public speaking, improvisation, and other performance skills.
Music can also be used as a tool for classroom management to help with transitions of different classes throughout the day. Use a song to signal the start or end of class. You can also use it to signal changes throughout the day.
Choose songs that reflect the time of day or an event. For example, if it is lunchtime, play a song related to food, such as .
Students will start making associations with the words of the song and start picking up words and phrases, similar to the previous point of background music.
Integrating music into your classroom can be a great and fun way to engage students and enhance their language learning. Encouraging creativity, focus, learning, and growth. Utilizing music throughout the day adds a dynamic element that benefits the students in many ways.
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[1]Antony, M. & Priya V, Vishnu & Gayathri R, Gayathri R et al (2018). Effect of music on academic performance of college students. Drug Invention Today. 10. 2093-2096.
In the fast-paced world of business, there is one undeniable fact that holds true: employees are the key to success. Their commitment and expertise propel organizations towards their objectives, which is why investing in a learning culture is essential. The advantages are numerous and include improved staff retention, increased productivity and the goal of higher employee engagement.
You may have heard the term learning management system (LMS) at work or perhaps during your time in education. For many, this throws out images of clunky, outdated systems that clumsily distribute course materials and are tough to use.ÌýBut that is no longer the case. Modern LMS's are far more user-friendly, and it's time to relearn what you thought you knew about these tools.Ìý
In this ultimate guide, we will look at everything you need to know about learning management systems and why they are so beneficial.Ìý
is a digital platform or (SaaS) solution that is used to create, organize and distribute online courses.Ìý
The idea is that these LMS platforms offer one central place for users to manage and access courses and learning materials. Depending on the user, this could be anything from self-paced e-courses to classroom training.Ìý
This can help facilitate a range of training, studying and skills development, as well as assessments, exams and certification management.Ìý
There are many great uses for learning management systems but these are used primarily by businesses and educational establishments. Here are some of the most common use cases for these platforms:Ìý
HR and management - The HR and management team might implement these across the business to help with learning and development and make sure that organizational goals are being hit
Employee onboarding - Those starting a new job may be given training via an LMS; this can make the onboarding process much quicker and simplerÌý
Compliance training - Lots of roles require compliance training, for example health and safety training, and this is a great way for businesses to stay up to date and ensure everyone complies with regulationsÌý
Customer support - Some businesses use learning management systems to onboard customers or clients. This might include sharing user manuals and product guides. Plus, sales professionals might also use them to train new partners or clients in using their services or platforms.Ìý
Classroom learning - Lecturers and teachers can create and share course materials and align content and tests from one place. These can also be used to put a twist on traditional classroom learning.Ìý
Blended learning - Schools, colleges and universities may use these for online lessons and blended learning, particularly for remote studentsÌý
Volunteer training - Charities and non-profits may also use an LMS to educate volunteers and keep them motivated about the causeÌý
Of course, these platforms can and will be used in other ways, but these are some of the most common and beneficial uses for LMS's.Ìý
In most cases, learning management systems will have two primary user groups: administrators and learners.ÌýÌý
Administrators are the people who create, manage and deliver e-learning. They may use these platforms to upload their own learning materials, or they may select courses and materials from an existing list given by the provider.
On the other hand, learners are the professionals or students who will use these platforms to train, study and gain new skills. Many modern LMS's allow multiple learners to train or access materials at the same time.
However, there is a third and final group that we have yet to mention: the parents of students using LMS's, particularly outside of school hours. In some cases, parents may have access to these systems to support students, track their progress or look at feedback from the teacher.Ìý
There are a variety of learning management systems out there and some are more advanced than others. That being said, many modern platforms will share similar features to ensure they stay competitive. Some of these key features may include:Ìý
Authoring tools that allow administrators to upload or build their own courses
Access to subject matter experts who can contribute to learning and development activitiesÌý
Automated workflows that allow for the creation of personalized learning journeys
A resources library that holds all relevant learning materials, such as guides, video clips and courses
Quizzes and surveys for a more fun and engaging way to assess learnersÌý
Compliance features, such as automatic reminders that notify learners when it is time to retrainÌý
Certificates and diplomas that give learners recognition as they study and meet their targetsÌý
Insights and analysis for individual progress and results, allowing administrators to identify gaps or areas where support is needed
Compatibility with mobile devices for studying on the goÌý
Integrations with other internal systems and softwareÌý
This is by no means a complete list and different platforms will have different functionality. However, these are some of the most common and beneficial features of many modern LMSs.
First and foremost, an LMS can be an excellent way for businesses to save time and money on training.Ìý
Of course there is an initial investment in the platform, but training can be expensive and time-consuming, particularly if it must take place in a location outside of the workplace.ÌýTherefore, this can be the more cost-effective solution. Not to mention, the materials are quick to access and can save time and effort.Ìý
These platforms are an excellent way to ensure that all mandatory training is completed on time and to the highest standard. For example, industry-specific training such as fire safety or cybersecurity training.Ìý
Administrators can access data and insights into their employee's learning. This can be a great way to see where more support is needed and to identify any skills gaps that need to be filled.ÌýSimilarly, teachers can get to grips with how well their students are doing and if they need extra help in any subjects or areas.
Whether in school or the workplace, LMS's can be a great way to improve the learning process. It allows users to study and access learning materials from one accessible location.ÌýPlus, through a multimedia approach, they can use guides, videos and more to help them learn. This can ensure they engage with the materials and stay motivated.Ìý
Finally, an LMS can make communication between students, teachers, employees and employers far simpler. For example, automated reminders keep everyone in the loop and ensure all training is completed on time.ÌýBut more than that, there is one central place to communicate, review feedback and access the same materials.Ìý
In a previous blog, we shared someÌýstrange English phrases that might have left you with some questions. The English language is full of peculiar phrases that can even confuse fluent speakers. In today's post, we'll take a look at a few more such phrases to help you expand your repertoire.
